Buddhism in Ukraine:
History, Community, and Challenges during the War
Content
1. Introduction and history
2. Current status
3. Problems and challenges
4. Prospects of Buddhism development
5. Practicing under critical conditions: personal experience
6. Final words
Introduction
Our Sangha, our Country
A Brief History of Buddhism in Ukraine
1
18th Century
Ukrainian Cossacks first encounter Kalmyk and Buryat Buddhists, forging unexpected early ties.
2
19th Century
Buddhism gains recognition in Ukraine through immigration from Vietnam and Korea. Intellectual interest begins to grow.
3
Soviet Era (1917-1991)
Buddhist practices and intellectual interest face severe suppression under Soviet rule. Korean Zen Master Won Myong Sunim visits Ukraine in 1988, Dorje Jambo came from Buryatia to Donetsk
4
Independent Ukraine: A New Era
The spiritual landscape shifts dramatically, leading to renewed interest and the official establishment of Buddhist communities.
5
Wars (2014 & 2022)
Escalating conflicts force displacement and adaptation, testing the resilience of Buddhist communities.
Post-Soviet Revival: A New Chapter for Buddhism
1980: Secret practicing trough fighting arts
Meditations and Buddhist stories to be studied in sport sections of eastern fighting arts
Basis soft development
1991: Mahasangha Established
Ukraine’s first officially registered Buddhist community, Mahasangha, is founded in the Donetsk Oblast (Region), laying foundational roots.
From 1991 Onward: Expansion from Mahasangha
Mahasangha serves as a vital base, facilitating the expansion of Buddhist practice and the establishment of new communities across Ukraine (Luhansk, Kharkiv)
1988-1989: Easing Restrictions
The Soviet Union’s ideological grip loosens, allowing for the first open Buddhist lectures and teachings to emerge, marking a significant shift.
Donetsk region as a lullaby of Buddhism in Ukraine
Order Nipponzan Myohoji
Lotus Sutra
Junsei Terasawa Sunim Teacher
Dzogchen
Namkai Norbu Rinpoche Teacher
Zen
1. The Jogye Order (Won Myong Sunim)
2. Kwan Um
3. Soto
Others
Others
Ningma School with its first Temple in Ukraine
Many other schools globally, each with unique practices
Mahayana community members established several directions communities
~ 100 Buddhist communities, with ~ 60 legally registered
Number of Buddhists:
- few hundreds of pro-active/active
- few thousands of interested in Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion #4 in Ukraine
0,1% of total population
Temples:
First one, in Donetsk region – destroyed;
Famous one White Lotus - Cherkassy region (top right) and Peresvit Kyiv Region (focus on fighting arts like )
Current Status: Quality over quantity
Predominantly Tibetan Vajrayana tradition: Karma Kagyu,
Drikung Kagyu, Ningma, and Dzogchen schools.
Zen: Kwan Um, Soto, Ekoyana
2014. Phase 1. Crimea and Donetsk invasion
One of Ukraine’s oldest communities originated in Donetsk forced to relocate to the Carpathians mountains (West part of UA).
Our Sangha lost our Place of the Way in Donetsk. We move to Mariupol/Kyiv/Svyatohirsk
2022. Phase 2. Full Scale Invasion
Whiteness of crimes.
Being under shelling, in occupation and filter camps
Our Sangha lost our centers in Mariupol and Svyatohirsk
Mass migration. Destroyed lives, connections.
New reality
The Donbas Buddhist Community: Displacement and Resilience
New Reality, New Problems for Ukrainian Buddhism
1
Movement Restrictions
The inability for men to travel abroad or move freely within the country poses significant challenges for community gatherings and activities.
2
Financial Hardship
Mass impoverishment of the population has made it difficult to collect donations, impacting the financial stability of Buddhist communities.
3
Disrupted Communities
Internal migrations have scattered stable groups of practitioners, making it harder to maintain cohesive Sanghas.
4
Bureaucratic Discrimination
Buddhists face bureaucratic hurdles, as policies often favor Christian organizations, leading to unequal treatment.
5
Lack of State Support
Poor state policy provides insufficient support for displaced individuals who have lost their homes and property.
6
Economic Strain
Most community members are working multiple jobs to support their families, leaving little time or resources for religious activities.
7
Limited International Funding
International funds often do not work with religious organizations, further limiting external support for Ukrainian Buddhist communities.
Buddhism Development Prospects in Ukraine
A comprehensive roadmap for establishing and expanding Buddhist presence through education, infrastructure, and community support initiatives.
Education & Outreach
Infrastructure Development
Publications & Literature
Community Support
This comprehensive approach addresses spiritual growth, practical community needs, and sustainable infrastructure development for Buddhism's future in Ukraine.
The Power of Faith
Sincere prayer saves, even in the most difficult times.
Shamatha and Vipassanā
Avalokiteśvara mantra protects from avia bombs, rockets
Unique experience of survival and practicing in critical conditions
Karuna and Prajñā
When 10 military persons put machine guns on you…
Some stories from our unique experience
Final words
May the forces of blessing descend upon our gathering, so that wars may cease and a just peace may come.
Namo Buddha! Namo Dharma! Namo Sangha!
Our community is engaged in humanitarian aid, refugee support, distance learning, commemoration of the dead, and Dharma sermons.
Gatha from Patriarch He Thong:
Our lives are interesting and rich
The wisdom of the Buddha is boundless
The flowers of the clear mind of those present here have already bloomed
The fruits are already ripening, and some are already ready. Enlightenment, Enlightenment, Enlightenment!
Support options
Direct donations: welcomed
Lectures: we would be happy to tell our stories for all the world
Art: Buddhism popularization trough the Art of our members
Literature